Rifled Ordnance offers a practical look at the science behind early rifled artillery and its real-world applications.
This classic treatise explores how the rifle principle applies to guns and mortars of all calibres, and introduces a new theory of the initial action and force of fired gunpowder. It places emphasis on sound principles and systematic experimentation over guesswork, with a focus on improving heavy rifled guns for naval and field use.
The work traces the evolution of rifled gunnery, discusses why earlier systems fell short, and argues for a theory-based approach to design. It examines the limitations of contemporary methods, contrasts different loading and projectile options, and argues for a balanced blend of theory and practice. The author also reflects on the role of government testing and independent experimentation in driving meaningful progress.
What you’ll experience
- A clear explanation of how rotary motion and projectile stability affect range and accuracy
- Critical discussions of rifling designs, calibres, and the challenges of large guns
- Insights into the role of experiments and cause-and-effect in advancing gunnery
- Historical context on competing approaches and why a new, principled system matters
Ideal for readers of military history and historical engineering, as well as students of ballistics seeking a foundational perspective on rifled ordnance.